It can be done with out a woman exposing herself. I saw a photograph of a muslim woman breast feeding in public, her head covering was long enough, and contained enough fabric where she was able to cover her breast and even the entire baby without even having to take it off her head- ingenious!

I am very militant in my advocation of breastfeeding. My children were all breastfed on demand until they gave it up on their own accord. In Israel, I have NEVER been "called on the carpet" for breast-feeding in public. Over those years I have traveled back to the States and have been run the riot act by tight-assed women. It was very unpleasant. I have NEVER exposed my breasts even in a women's washroom. I have always covered myself but these women "knew" what I was doing and they didn't like it. On the other hand, I have seen mothers in the U.S.A. take out the whole breast and make no attempt to cover up at all. Real hard core militants!:)

While I prefer women to breastfeed in private, I dont find it offensive--as long as they are descrete. HOWEVER, I have actually seen a woman open up her blouse and feed her 5 years old child in public! And yes...that was offensive and personally I view it as abuse.